Henderson details why he moved to Strikeforce
When the UFC purchased Pride, Dan Henderson was given two title shots: losing a unanimous decision to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson…
When the UFC purchased Pride, Dan Henderson was given two title shots: losing a unanimous decision to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in 2007, and getting submitted by Anderson Silva in 2008. A rematch with Silva was on the negotiating table as part of Henderson’s re-signing with the UFC, and so was a special deal to allow him a cut of first- and second-year profits from the UFC’s popular video game that featured his likeness.
Video Game
“I never saw a dime,” Henderson says of the video game money. “Where do you think the money should go? The fighters are asked to sign away their likeness rights, and [the UFC] tries to get it forever.”
PPV Rev Share
At UFC 100 his $100,000 knockout bonus was nice, yet UFC 100 generated about 1 million to 1.5 million pay-per-view buys, and Henderson knew he had been slotted to receive a substantial cut of that revenue before a heavyweight title fight was shifted onto the card, relegating Henderson-Bisping short of a co-main event.
“That probably cost me $1 million,” Henderson said.
Sponsor Restrictions
Another UFC business stance that irked Henderson was the company’s interest in charging apparel sponsors, like Henderson’s own Clinch Gear, a fee, such as $10,000 for four months of unlimited appearances in the UFC octagon. “It’s like UFC is sticking their hands in our pockets,” Henderson said.
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Meanwhile, White took a swipe at Henderson’s drawing power when he texted that he wouldn’t attend the Saturday Strikeforce card: “They have sold two tickets to that fight.”
